‘Life of Butterflies’: a documentary that chronicles butterfly behaviour in great detail

Conservationist Sammilan Shetty’s documentary ‘Life of Butterflies’, deftly and beautifully chronicles the behaviour and evolution of these winged insects

A riot of colours unfold on the screen as beautiful butterflies flit from one plant to another, in the opening shots of Life of Butterflies, a comprehensive documentary on the winged insects. Shot at the seven-acre Sammilan Shetty Butterfly Park at Belvai, about eight kilometres from Moodbidri town of Dakshina Kannada in Karnataka, the 100-minute film covers butterfly behaviour in its natural habitat. The butterfly reserve nestled at the foothills of the Western Ghats drives conservation by engaging with people, especially students. Over 100 butterfly species are sighted regularly at the park including the spectacular Malabar banded peacock, Southern Birdwing, Autumn leaf, Gaudy baron, Dark evening brown, Tawny rajah to name a few. The butterfly park also finds a mention in the World Book of Records, London, for hosting awareness programmes and conservation activities.